Most engineering math reviewers cover the basics—algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. The Excel Academic Council’s 1001 Solved Problems goes further. It systematically organizes problems across 30+ key topics, including:
With exactly 1001 problems, it doesn’t overwhelm you with quantity alone—each problem is carefully chosen to represent a distinct concept or trick you’ll encounter in actual exams.
Do not solve randomly. Follow this cycle per chapter:
Where other books fail is organization. Competitors often throw random problems at you. Excel orders its 1001 problems by difficulty and topic:
This systematic escalation trains your brain to switch contexts instantly—exactly what happens during a 6-hour exam.
This section is often where students realize the value of this book. While theory books explain the rank of a matrix, the "1001 Problems" guide forces you to calculate ranks, inverses, and eigenvalues until you can do them in your sleep. The variety of matrix problems—especially those involving consistency of linear systems—is exhaustive.
Assuming you can do ~25 problems/day:
| Week | Focus | Daily action | |------|-------|---------------| | 1 | Algebra + Trig | 20 problems + error log | | 2 | Geometry + Vectors | 20 problems + timed (2 min each) | | 3 | Calculus I (limits, derivatives) | 15 problems + redo past errors | | 4 | Calculus II (integrals, DE) | 15 problems + formula sheet update | | 5 | Probability + Statistics | 20 problems + flashcards for distributions | | 6 | Complex numbers + Laplace | 15 problems + alternate methods | | 7 | Mixed topics (random sets) | 30 problems/day, 1.5 min each | | 8 | Full mock: 100 problems | Simulate exam conditions |
| Need | Recommended resource | |------|----------------------| | More theory | Engineering Mathematics – K.A. Stroud | | Video explanations | Khan Academy (Math for Eng) | | Digital practice | FE Exam Prep by PPI or Study.com | | Formula memorization | FE Reference Handbook (free PDF) | | Full-length mocks | NCEES practice exams |
